I Believe That Singing Canadian Children Are The Future

Remember when little kids belting out standards was just a fraction of the entertainment extravaganza Ed McMahon provided every week on Star Search? In a move that will undoubtedly be copied in America some time in the next five minutes, a reality talent show for singers 15 and under will be starting on Canada’s YTV in July. Even if we do get our own version of this, I’m hoping they’ll be kind enough to show episodes of the original on The N alongside Degrassi.

Universal Music Canada has joined the search for Canada’s version of Miley Cyrus.

The Canadian label will offer a record contract to the winner of “The Instant Star,” a summer reality talent show from YTV, Canada’s kids cable channel, and producer Tricon Films & Television, that will bow July 18.

The homegrown series will see young Canadians age 15 and younger compete for singing stardom. CTV’s rival summer “Canadian Idol” series has a cutoff age of 16.

Universal Music Canada’s talent stable includes Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Diana Krall, Nelly Furtado and Paul Anka.

Paul Anka! No wonder they’re trolling the playground for fresh blood.

Search is on for Canadian Miley Cyrus [Hollywood Reporter]